Masks optional for Duplin County Public Schools

From Duplin County Schools

Transcript of 2/19/22 Connect Ed Message

In response to significant decreases in positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines in our schools, as well as updated guidance from Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services,  Duplin County Schools Board of Education voted this evening in a special called meeting to make masks optional for Kindergarten - Grade 13 students, staff, and visitors beginning Monday, February 21st. However, please note that due to current federal regulations, masks will still be required for all  students and staff on buses and other school transportation. Federal regulations also require PreK students and staff to continue to wear masks.

Additionally, there is updated guidance on quarantine protocols for asymptomatic exposures. Effective Monday, February 21st, asymptomatic exposures to positive cases will no longer be required to be excluded from school.  We will continue to follow NCDHHS guidelines as they apply to COVID-19 symptoms, infections, and exposures.   

Also, beginning on Monday, February 28th, meal service will return to the cafeteria.

While COVID-19 metrics are trending in the right direction and masking is now optional in most circumstances, the pandemic is not entirely over. Student and staff health and safety is still our top priority and we will remain vigilant with all other mitigation strategies that are currently in place to include frequent hand-washing, social distancing as much as possible, thorough cleaning practices, promoting vaccines, and continuing our diagnostic testing program. Families are reminded to continue to screen children for any signs of illness each morning and to keep children home if they are sick. 

Lastly, anyone who wishes to continue to wear a mask for their own personal reasons or comfort level will be supported and we encourage others to respect that choice.

Excerpt from updated Regulation 4230/7262 R

The following will apply to all students, staff, and visitors:

• All students, staff, and visitors shall consistently and correctly wear a well-fitting face mask as
  required while on buses, vans, or other school transportation (including when traveling to and from
  school and/or athletic events and while on field trips).
  • At all other places on school property, masks are optional for students, staff, and visitors and can
  be worn at any time and/or any place. Those who choose to wear masks will be supported.
  • Pre-K staff and students will adhere to required mask guidelines outlined in the ChildcareStrongNC
  Public Health Toolkit.
  • Masks are recommended in indoor settings for people at high risk for severe diseases and who are
  not up to date on vaccines.
  • Duplin County Schools will follow NCDHSS guidelines as it relates to COVID-19 symptoms,
  infections, and exposures.